The scenario

Technician Vicky is at the pharmacy counter when long-time customer Anya Chan approaches her.

“Hi Vicky, I’m glad you’re here today,” says Anya. “I’ve got a bit of an embarrassing problem I need some help with.”

“Sure Anya, what can I help you with?” replies Vicky.

“At risk of going all ‘too much information’, I’ve got awful mucus-ey diarrhoea and horrible cramping in my tummy,” confides Anya. “It’s been nearly a week now and I’m starting to feel quite unwell with it and have these awful sweats at night. I’ve lost half a stone, so while people are saying I look good, it’s not quite in the way I’d hoped after two weeks in Thailand! I thought the bug would work its way through but that doesn’t seem to be happening. Do you think I should take some of those anti-diarrhoeal capsules or that pink stuff in a bottle?”